National Lakeshore · MI

Dogs in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Limited accessLeash: 6 feet maximum, at all times.

Pictured Rocks allows leashed dogs in many front-country areas and on a handful of named trails and beaches, but the main hiking network, including the Lakeshore/North Country Trail and all backcountry, is closed to pets.

Leashed pets are allowed on the Miners Falls Trail, Miners Lake Trail, and the Miners Castle paved trails and overlook platforms, plus all roads, parking lots, picnic areas, Sand Point beaches, Miners Beach, and the Twelvemile Beach and Hurricane River drive-in campgrounds.
Photo: NPS Photo · NPS

Where dogs are allowed

Leashed pets are allowed on the Miners Falls Trail, Miners Lake Trail, and the Miners Castle paved trails and overlook platforms, plus all roads, parking lots, picnic areas, Sand Point beaches, Miners Beach, and the Twelvemile Beach and Hurricane River drive-in campgrounds.

Where dogs are banned

All North Country/Lakeshore Trail segments, Sand Point Marsh Trail, Chapel and Mosquito trails and beaches, Log Slide, Grand Sable Dunes and Sable Falls trails, all backcountry campsites, all Beaver Basin Wilderness trails and beaches, and groomed ski trails. Pets are not allowed on backcountry beaches even from a boat.

Trail by trail

Dogs OKMiners Falls TrailLeashed dogs allowed.
Dogs OKMiners Castle paved trailsPaved trails and overlook platforms allowed.
No dogsNorth Country / Lakeshore TrailClosed to pets its full length through the park.
No dogsChapel and Mosquito trailsTrails and beaches closed to pets.
No dogsSand Point Marsh TrailClosed to pets.

Leash rule

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
National Park Service
View the official NPS page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Lakeshore

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

Pictured Rocks allows leashed dogs in many front-country areas and on a handful of named trails and beaches, but the main hiking network, including the Lakeshore/North Country Trail and all backcountry, is closed to pets. Leashed pets are allowed on the Miners Falls Trail, Miners Lake Trail, and the Miners Castle paved trails and overlook platforms, plus all roads, parking lots, picnic areas, Sand Point beaches, Miners Beach, and the Twelvemile Beach and Hurricane River drive-in campgrounds.

What is the leash rule at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Which trails allow dogs at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

Leashed dogs are allowed on: Miners Falls Trail, Miners Castle paved trails.

Are service animals allowed at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.